Thank You to Everyone Who Made the Competition Unforgettable!
We couldn’t be more thrilled with how our 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition turned out. It was a night filled with fierce competition, incredible drinks, and great vibes, and we owe it all to the people who helped make it happen. Here’s a special shout-out to everyone involved in making the event one to remember!
The competition was fierce, but in the end, a few mixologists stood out with their extraordinary creations. Yolanda took home First Place, dazzling the judges with her innovative and perfectly balanced cocktail. Cecelia earned Second Place, while Jenna (aka Duckie) claimed Third Place with her crowd-pleasing drink. Finally, the People's Choice Award went to Ky, whose cocktail was a huge hit among attendees. We are so proud of all the contestants for bringing their A-game!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: The Loft at Duckworth’s
First and foremost, we want to thank The Loft at Duckworth’s, our generous sponsor for this year’s event. Their support played a crucial role in bringing this competition to life. Don't forget to visit The Loft and try their three new cocktails for their Mean Girls Day Celebration!
The Judges
Our expert judges made sure to keep the competition fair, exciting, and engaging. Each brought a unique perspective to the table, helping us crown this year's cocktail champion!
Chantel Anderson – Founder of Bar Juicy, Chantel is an industry-leading mixologist with over 8 years of experience. Known for her inventive cocktail creations, she’s made a name for herself across the country, even landing a spot on the hit show Bar Rescue.
Andrew Colacchio – A global food and drink aficionado, Andrew has traveled the world, worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, and now curates experiences on his platform AndrewLoves Food, Drinks, and Travel. His refined palate made him a perfect fit for our judges' panel.
Crystle Iris – Master hairstylist and founder of Mermane Haircare, Crystle is all about creativity and innovation. Her eye for detail, honed through years of entrepreneurship, brought a fresh, artistic perspective to our competition.
Our Talented Mixologists
The competition was heated, and it’s all thanks to our stellar line-up of talented mixologists who brought their A-game.
Ky – Known for her ability to mix complex flavors with ease, Ky specializes in creating bold, balanced cocktails. Her passion for sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients set her apart.
Lee – A minimalist in style, Lee believes that less is more. He’s known for perfecting classic cocktails with a modern twist, always focused on the purity of each flavor.
Annie – Annie has built a reputation for creating whimsical, dessert-inspired drinks. Her sweet tooth pairs perfectly with her creative mixology, delivering cocktails that are as delicious as they are imaginative.
Molly – Molly is a master at crafting botanical cocktails. Her love for natural ingredients and floral flavors makes her a favorite for those who enjoy fresh, herbaceous drinks.
Yolanda – Known for her expertise in Latin-inspired cocktails, Yolanda isn’t afraid to turn up the heat. Her love for tequila and mezcal shines through in her smoky, spicy creations.
Cecelia – Cecelia’s cocktails are all about balance and elegance. With a background in fine dining, her sophisticated approach to mixology is evident in every drink she makes.
Rosalynn – A self-described "cocktail nerd," Rosalynn is constantly experimenting with new techniques. Whether it’s clarifying juices or infusing spirits, she loves pushing boundaries.
Jenna – Jenna's signature drinks often feature unexpected pairings, like combining whiskey with tropical fruit. Her playful approach to mixology keeps her fans guessing—and delighted.
DJs: Fannie Mae & Micki Blendz
A big thank you to DJs Fannie Mae and Micki Blendz, who kept the energy high all night! Their carefully curated tracks kept the crowd moving and added the perfect soundtrack to the evening's festivities.
Our Amazing Partners
We’re incredibly grateful to our partners for their contributions, which made the Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition truly exceptional:
Sutler’s Spirit Co. – Known for their award-winning gin, Sutler’s brings artistry and precision to every bottle. Their commitment to craft distilling makes them a standout in the industry.
Muddy River Distillery – This local favorite has become renowned for their handmade rum, distilled right here in North Carolina. Their passion for quality and tradition shines through in every sip.
Southern Distilling Company – As one of the South’s premier distilleries, Southern Distilling Company specializes in whiskey with a rich, full-bodied flavor, perfect for cocktail mixing or sipping neat.
Queen’s Hand Collaborative – A passionate spirits brokerage, Queen’s Hand Collaborative is committed to supporting local and craft distilleries. They play a vital role in ensuring small-batch, artisanal spirits get the recognition they deserve, bringing exceptional products to new audiences.
A Huge Thanks to Our Vendors
Go Brazee and Uniquely SHE helped elevate the event with their incredible offerings. Thank you for adding such unique and thoughtful touches to the night!
Stay Tuned for the Recap!
Later this week, we’ll be posting a full recap of the Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, highlighting the winners, top moments, and behind-the-scenes action. Stay connected with us, and relive the magic of the night!
Thank you again to everyone who came out and supported this event. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
